On September 28, 2002 writer Joseph Epstein published an article in the New York Times entitled: “Think You Have a Book in You? Think Again.” In this article the author is critical of people that feel they have a book in them and want to write one. He argues that not only is writing a book very difficult, but that the majority of books written are not needed, wanted, or necessary, so why add to the “schlock pile?” He then writes that maybe people want to write a book so that in a certain way they can find significance and escape the oblivion that awaits us at the end of our lives. But he adds that the way most books die, writing a book will only make the oblivion more noticeable for would-be writers. The author also dismisses the notion that that we can all be good and creative when it comes to writing a book and that all of our stories or wisdom are interesting. He ends with a plea: “Save the typing, save the trees, save the high tax on your own vanity. Don't write that book, my advice is, don't even think about it. Keep it inside you, where it belongs.”

Well, fast forward 10 years and what do we have? Now it is easier than ever to self-publish your own book. With POD services your book will only be printed every time someone orders it. If no one wants it, you will not have to stare at a pile of moldering books in your basement. And if you self-publish an e-book it can remain on the shelves forever. Your book will not have to die for lack of sales. You have the rest of your life to figure out how to sell it at your own pace. The only deadlines you will have to deal with are those that you impose on yourself.

But apart from the technology I want to say the following. There are stories inside you waiting to be told. Even if we accept Mr. Epteins’s argument, which boils down to “most people are not good enough to write a book,” who cares? Yes, who cares if your book is only as good as the next? Do you always dine only in the best restaurants? Do you always wear only the most expensive clothes? Do you always watch only Oscar winning movies? Why should books be any different? What is wrong with average?

You should write your book and then go out there and find your readers. And yes, it is almost certain that you won’t be the next J.K. Rowling or the next Stephenie Meyer. It is almost certain you won’t win a Pulitzer Prize. It is also almost certain that you won’t be able to quit your day job. But there are hundreds of millions of readers out there who can be reached through the internet. Therefore it is equally almost certain that there is someone somewhere who will be interested in your book. Your story is part of the legacy that you leave humanity, do not keep it inside you; put it “out there” where it belongs!

I completely agree with you. If I had listened to that inner voice telling me I wasn't good enough, I would never have realised that writing is my calling! I feel like it's what I should have been doing all along and I know that in the time I've been writing my style has improved. I say everyone should try and get that book out of them. It's hard work and unless you've done it there's no way to know if you can do it or not. If you don't have the drive to write the book then writing probably isn't for you. When you try you'll learn something about yourself, either you can and will write that book or you won't. Your first achievement is finishing that first draft. An amazing accomplishment if you've never done it. And who knows... you might find it's what you should have been doing all along!

Well said, Rolando! I totally agree with you. The creative drive and the experience of listening to it and acting upon it is one of the most fundamentally important human imperatives, whether it be in the form of music, writing, art, pubic speaking or whatever! Never let the idea that unless you're a genius, or someone who will reach the top for whatever reason, prevent you from expressing your creativity :) The joy is in the doing.

Thanks for your comment Inge. His position reminded me of some people that claimed (or claim) that certain activities should only be restricted to a given sector of society like the upper classes or one race or one sex, etc.

wished i discovered this blog sooner, but like to comment on this post in particular. for years, i've been building up this world in my book and kept it to myself until i committed myself to write the book (in progress and editing). i'm not doing it for riches or fame, but i want it to be read by those who'd enjoy it just as much as i am with writing it. i don't agree with mr. epstein at all and so thankful for people like elizabeth sims, author of "you've got a book in you"

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